Abhishek Sharma is going through every batsman’s worst nightmare. Three matches, three ducks. Zero runs scored in the entire T20 World Cup 2026 group stage!
Everyone’s asking – will India drop him for the IND vs SA Super 8 clash? Social media exploded with opinions over the weekend. Fans are split between giving him another chance and bringing in someone new.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel just ended all speculation. He revealed what the team management is thinking about Abhishek Sharma’s spot.
Morne Morkel Backs Abhishek Despite Poor Form
Morkel didn’t beat around the bush during his press conference. He made India’s position clear about their struggling opener.
“Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that. Abhishek is a world-class player. So far in the tournament, luckily, there have been guys standing up with Abhishek, obviously not scoring the runs he would like,” Morkel said.
“But we are going through a very important phase of the World Cup now, and I am pretty sure he’s going to deliver. Not so much just for the team, but also for all the viewers watching the game, because he is entertaining, and we love to see that.
“So, yeah, I am pretty sure he is hitting the ball well in the nets. It is just a matter of getting that started and getting his innings going,” he added.
The coach believes the left-hander deserves more opportunities. Abhishek Sharma came into this T20 World Cup 2026 as India’s ‘Run-Machine’. His domestic form was incredible before the tournament.
Here’s the brutal reality though. He’s scored 5 ducks in his last 8 innings total. That’s not just bad luck – that’s a serious crisis.
But there’s another side too. In those eight innings, he managed 182 runs overall. That includes two half-centuries and a top score of 84. So the talent exists!
India’s Upcoming Super 8 Schedule
The match happens this Sunday February 22 in Ahmedabad. Both teams come in unbeaten and hungry.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav will lead India into this crucial phase. The team faces Zimbabwe next on February 26 in Chennai. Their final match is against the West Indies on March 1.
That West Indies game happens at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Three tough matches ahead for India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Each game could make or break their semi-final hopes completely.
What This Means for the Opener
So will the team drop their opener for Sunday’s big match? Probably not based on Morkel’s comments. The management wants to show faith in their players during tough times.
Abhishek gets at least one more chance to end his duck streak. He needs to grab this opportunity with both hands. One good knock could change everything for him and India.
But if he fails again against South Africa? Then the team might seriously reconsider for the Zimbabwe match. Patience has limits even with talented players!
